In the modern world, the allure of reinvention often calls to those feeling the strain of traditional career paths. For Marie Libres, this call led to a bold decision to move from the bustling streets of New York to the charming ambiance of France. Her story is one of empowerment, creativity, and embracing the unexpected twists life has to offer.
From Tech Hurdles to a Fresh Start
Marie’s journey began in the tech industry, where she worked as a product designer in New York City. Despite a successful career span of over ten years, she faced a turning point after being part of a layoff during a downturn period for the industry. This setback, coupled with the expiration of her lease, prompted a reevaluation of her life choices. Rather than staying put, Marie glanced across the Atlantic and envisioned a fresh canvas for her life in France.
The Move to France
Fuelled by a desire for change, Marie applied for a long-stay visa and set about transforming her life. She spent months traveling through France, inspired by the local culture and her evolving language skills. Despite the challenges of connecting with a new culture and forming a new community, Marie found herself drawn to the vibrancy of life abroad.
Building a Freelance Career
Marie embraced her freelance journey with the goal of aligning her professional endeavors with personal values. Transitioning from corporate roles to freelancing allowed her the freedom to choose projects and clients that resonated with her vision. Her work in design, particularly focusing on enhancing user experiences, became an expression of creativity and purpose. Beyond design, photography has become an integral part of her creative exploration, providing a sense of release and joy that contrasted with the expectations of her professional work.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Marie’s experience shines a light on the nuances of starting fresh and pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. Her advice to small business owners includes taking time for introspection to clarify their mission, identifying the emotions they wish to evoke through their brand, and acknowledging the complexity of managing various business aspects. She advocates writing down ideas to combat decision fatigue and organizing thoughts to take actionable steps.
Navigating Expat Life
Marie shares the reality of expat life—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Moving abroad presents its own set of challenges, from language barriers to cultural adjustments, and she encourages anyone contemplating such a change to approach it with patience and flexibility.
Staying Inspired and Creative
Marie finds inspiration in the everyday experiences and cultural intricacies of French life. The exposure to new ideas and experiences acts like a supplement to her creativity, nourishing her work with a fresh perspective.
Connect with Marie Libres
For those inspired by Marie’s story, she invites you to engage with her through her online presence. You can follow her journey and insights into living abroad on her Substack and connect with her for life coaching through the True North Collective. For a peek into her everyday life, you can follow her on Instagram at Marie Libres. Marie Libres’ journey is a testament to the power of embracing change, trusting in one’s abilities, and pursuing a life aligned with personal and professional values. Her story encourages us all to take leaps of faith and find our own path to creative fulfillment.
